Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[0-60 builds its own Need For Speed racing cabinet, tells you how]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/0-60-builds-its-own-need-for-speed-racing-cabinet-tells-you-how/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/0-60-builds-its-own-need-for-speed-racing-cabinet-tells-you-how/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/0-60-builds-its-own-need-for-speed-racing-cabinet-tells-you-how/#commentsFiled under: ,



For the first time in a long time, we sat down and played a racing game the other night. Fine, it wasn't a racing game -- it was the VirtualGT racing simulator. What did we learn? Georgia ought to pass a law against letting us onto Road Atlanta in a Porsche 997 Cup car. Also, instead of sitting on our buddy's couch and stuffing our face with Collisions: Pizza Cravers and Ranch flavored Doritos (a real flavor -- we swear!) while mindlessly hitting everything on the streets of Monaco in GT4, being in a race cabinet (and having a Cup instructor barking instructions in our ear) allowed us to pop off a 1:43 run around a 2.54 mile course. Not too terrible. And we're totally sure the cabinet added a second or two. Ahem.

Sadly, those high-falutin' racing rigs cost a fortune -- $18k at the low end, and that's without a display of any sort. You'd have to be a Porsche Cup racer to afford one. Not so fast, say our pals over at 0-60. In fact, they built a cabinet for Need For Speed: Shift and they're calling it the D.I.Y. R-Cade. First of all, how much will it cost you? $500, minus all the electronic stuff (which you probably already own anyhow). How long does it take? Not sure, but there are about 60 pages of instructions. We figure pretty long. Still, the end result is pretty cool looking, and you'd have your own racing cabinet.

[Source: 0-60mag.com]

0-60 builds its own Need For Speed racing cabinet, tells you how originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0-60GT4Need For SpeedNeedForSpeedNFSvideo gamesVideoGamesSat, 19 Sep 2009 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW considering offering M3 GT4 to gentlemen racers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bmw-considering-offering-m3-gt4-to-gentlemen-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bmw-considering-offering-m3-gt4-to-gentlemen-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bmw-considering-offering-m3-gt4-to-gentlemen-racers/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW M3 GT4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although BMW's M division may have arguably veered off course with the recent introduction of the X5M and X6M, well-to-do M-ophiles may have something to look forward to in the form of a M3 GT4 available to consumers.

Campaigned at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this past May, the GT4 variant of BMW's V8-powered M3 is fitted with all the race-ready kit you'd expect in something developed to tackle the Green Hell, including an Ohlins suspension setup, aerodynamic enhancements, a full roll cage, airjack system, race buckets and a modified engine and transmission. "It would be specifically for motorsport drivers," BMW's M division head, Dr. Kay Segler told Autoblog. Translation: Don't expect to see this car on the street - it's a trackday toy or competition-only machine.

Although the trigger hasn't been pulled, Segler said it's being actively considered. If we had to bet, we'd expect the GT4 to be available to gentlemen racers sometime in 2010.


Gallery: BMW M3 GT4

BMW considering offering M3 GT4 to gentlemen racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3 gt4BmwM3Gt4gt4m3Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/ukdm-nissan-370z-yellow-a-special-edition-homage-to-europes-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/ukdm-nissan-370z-yellow-a-special-edition-homage-to-europes-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/ukdm-nissan-370z-yellow-a-special-edition-homage-to-europes-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow - Click above for image gallery

American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now. That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.

Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.

Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)
for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD - as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).


Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow

Continue reading UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>370-ZGT4Nissan 370ZNissan ZNissan370zNissanZspecial editionSpecialEditionZ carZCarThu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW M3 GT4 to campaign in Nurburgring 24-hour enduro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/bmw-m3-gt4-to-campaign-in-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/bmw-m3-gt4-to-campaign-in-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/bmw-m3-gt4-to-campaign-in-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


BMW M3 GT4 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

BMW is far and away the most prolific automaker at the annual 24-hour Nurburgring race, with 114 class victories over the event's 29-year history and almost one-third of last year's field comprised of Bimmers. This year, BMW's Customer Racing program will partner with Schubert Motorsport to bring out a BMW M3 GT4 to campaign in the GT4 class, with FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) drivers Agusto Farfus, Jorg Muller and Andy Priaulx joining two journalists from German magazine Sport Auto.

The M3 GT4, which benefits from all the race-ready hardware you'd expect in a vehicle prepped for a 24-hour enduro, made its debut at last weekend's ADAC Westfalenfahrt at the 'Ring, taking the win in the SP10 class and finishing 30th overall. The M3 will be back at the Nordschleife for the 24 hour race the weekend of May 23 and 24.


Gallery: BMW M3 GT4

BMW M3 GT4 to campaign in Nurburgring 24-hour enduro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hour24Hourbmwbmw m3 gt4BmwM3Gt4gt4m4nurburgringFri, 10 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Maserati GranTurismo MC unveiled for the gentlemen racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/maserati-granturismo-mc-unveiled-for-the-gentlemen-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/maserati-granturismo-mc-unveiled-for-the-gentlemen-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/maserati-granturismo-mc-unveiled-for-the-gentlemen-racer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Maserati GranTurismo MC - Click above for a high-res gallery

Inspired by the MC Corse Concept, Maserati has finally unveiled the production version of its GranTurismo MC. Aimed at the discerning enthusiast who'd prefer to keep their road-going GT in the garage, the MC is designed to compete in the GT4 European Cup class, with a full roll cage, carbon fiber body panels, plexiglass windows, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with lightweight rollers shod in racing slicks. Output for the revised 4.7-liter V8 hasn't been disclosed, but expect the MC to put out around 450 hp when it takes to the track. The cost? A cool 135,000 Euros. And the perfect compliment to your MC12. All the details are available in the press release below the fold.


Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo MC

Continue reading Maserati GranTurismo MC unveiled for the gentlemen racer

Maserati GranTurismo MC unveiled for the gentlemen racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>granturismogt4maseratimaserati granturismo mcMaseratiGranturismoMcmcMon, 06 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[KTM X-Bow captures GT4 Sports Light championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/ktm-x-bow-captures-gt4-sports-light-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/ktm-x-bow-captures-gt4-sports-light-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/ktm-x-bow-captures-gt4-sports-light-championship/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res image

KTM has performed well during the X-Bow's campaign in the European GT4 Sports Light series, winning the championship in its inaugural season. In fact, the KTM X-Bow claimed the top three spots at the end of the 18-round series, and in the process, KTM's first four-wheeled street racer managed to beat out a slew of Donkervoorts and Lotuses. German X-Bow driver Christopher Haase piloted the KaTooM to a number of victories and won the driver's championship in the process. Somewhat amazingly, the angular little orange and black roadster was even able to pick on much larger and more powerful competition, like Aston Martins, Ford Mustangs and Corvettes.

We think it's fair to call the X-Bow a success for KTM, which now looks forward to bigger and better things. Up next is an even faster version of its racer as well as a range of city cars and off-roaders. Lest we should forget where the company's roots are, there are plenty of new sporting two-wheelers in the pipeline as well.

[Source: KTM]

Continue reading KTM X-Bow captures GT4 Sports Light championship

KTM X-Bow captures GT4 Sports Light championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt4gt4 championshipgt4 sports lightgt4 sports lightsGt4ChampionshipGt4SportsLightGt4SportsLightsktmktm gt4 x-bowktm x-bowKtmGt4X-bowKtmX-bowWed, 15 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[KTM X-Bow takes class win in GT4, annoys Astons and 'Vettes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/ktm-x-bow-takes-class-win-in-gt4-annoys-astons-and-vettes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/ktm-x-bow-takes-class-win-in-gt4-annoys-astons-and-vettes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/ktm-x-bow-takes-class-win-in-gt4-annoys-astons-and-vettes/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the GT4 KTM X-Bow.

The crew at KTM is basking in the warm glow of victory after debuting its race-ready X-Bow in the European GT4 Sports Light series and taking home two class victories. The team campaigned a pair of X-Bows at the Silverstone circuit in the UK and aside from getting a one-two podium finish in its class, the team mixed it up with the rest of the 16 GT4 contenders, including Aston Martin N24s, Chevrolet Corvettes and Ford Mustangs. Among the 400+ hp racers, the X-Bow placing seventh and eleventh overall in Saturday's race, and fifth and sixth on Sunday. KTM is gearing up for the next race in Monza, Italy on May 17 and 18, and is looking to take another couple of wins before sales of the production X-Bow begins later this summer.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow GT4


[Source: KTM]

Continue reading KTM X-Bow takes class win in GT4, annoys Astons and 'Vettes

KTM X-Bow takes class win in GT4, annoys Astons and 'Vettes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt4ktmktm x-bowKtmX-bowsilverstonx-bowTue, 22 Apr 2008 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[KTM GT4 X-Bow ready for race day]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/ktm-gt4-x-bow-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/ktm-gt4-x-bow-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/ktm-gt4-x-bow-revealed/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the KTM GT4 X-Bow

In just under a month, KTM will be campaigning two race-prepped versions of the X-Bow in the FIA GT4 European Cup Sports Light class, and the purveyor of our newest track tool obsession has finally released images of its race-ready X-Bow. As detailed before, the GT4 version only receives a few modifications for track duty, including a steel rollover bar that replaces the production model's aluminum units, some added zylon fibers to cope with road debris, modified wheel covers and a Sparco integrated impact-absorbing head restraint system. Aside from those few safety-regulated changes, it's the same X-Bow you'll be able to pick up when sales begin this summer -- right after the GT4 version debuts at Silverstone on April 20th with Loris Bicocchi and Catharina Felser behind the wheel.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow GT4


Gallery: KTM X-Bow


[Source: KTM]

Continue reading KTM GT4 X-Bow ready for race day

KTM GT4 X-Bow ready for race day originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt4ktmktm x-bow gt4ktm xbow gt4KtmX-bowGt4KtmXbowGt4x-bowxbowWed, 26 Mar 2008 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[KTM confirms participation in GT4 with X-Bow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/ktm-confirms-participation-in-gt4-with-x-bow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/ktm-confirms-participation-in-gt4-with-x-bow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/ktm-confirms-participation-in-gt4-with-x-bow/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the KTM X-Bow.

KTM confirmed today what it announced during the reveal of the production X-Bow in Geneva: it will be campaigning a race-spec version of its four-wheeled track tool in this year's FIA GT4 European Cup in the new "Sports Light" class. The team will be operated by Reiter Engineering, the same outfit that worked with Lamborghini on the GT1, GT2 and GT3 races in previous years, as a way to remain focused on more consumer-oriented versions of the X-Bow.

Loris Bicocchi, who helped develop the X-Bow and has tested numerous vehicles including the Koenigsegg CCR, and Catharina Felser, a former Formula Ford and Formula 3 participant, will campaign the race-spec X-Bow during the series. The competition version of the car has been modified to meet FIA regulations with steel rollover bars (versus the production model's aluminum units), a revised exhaust system that uses a racing silencer, extended wheel covers, added layers of zylon fiber that aim to prevent penetration by track debris and a slightly retuned suspension that can hold up to the rigors of wheel-to-wheel action. All told, the modifications are minimal, which speaks volumes about how well engineered the X-Bow is right out of the box.

For those of you who've placed your orders for the production version, deliveries are still set for this summer.

KTM's full press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow - Production Version


Gallery: KTM X-Bow

Continue reading KTM confirms participation in GT4 with X-Bow

KTM confirms participation in GT4 with X-Bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt4gt4 sports lightgt4 sports lightsGt4SportsLightGt4SportsLightsktmktm x-bowKtmX-bowsport lightSportLightx-bowThu, 13 Mar 2008 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Night Watch: GT4 Drifting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/02/autoblog-night-watch-gt4-drifting/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/02/autoblog-night-watch-gt4-drifting/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/02/autoblog-night-watch-gt4-drifting/#commentsFiled under: ,


Do you remember when GT4 came out and you couldn't wait to get home to neglect your significant other and play with rebound settings and spring rates? Well, neither could this fiend for opposite lock and judging by his abilities, there is little doubt that someone in his life was left regularly unfulfilled. Enjoy!

Autoblog Night Watch: GT4 Drifting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Aug 2006 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftinggt4Wed, 02 Aug 2006 02:52:00 EST